Relaxation is great—beautiful relaxation is even better: Spas are no longer tucked away in hotel basements. These days, they’re destinations in their own right—well worth the trip. Here are some of the most stunning spas that offer a treat for the eyes as well as the body.
Since wellness areas in hotels are no longer relegated to the basement, but have become highly visible showpieces and even a booking argument for many hotels, the demands on their design have also increased enormously. Textures, colors and lighting are therefore no longer left to chance. "It is precisely these elements that often have the most direct influence on the guest experience. We know that certain colors can trigger calm and serenity, and that lighting moods can be used to shape the entire course of the day," reveals Yohandel Ruiz, Founding Partner of Studio DADO. Here are five hotels whose design spas do everything right:
The sweeping, tiered roof structure that blends almost organically into the landscape is a defining feature of ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof in Leogang, Austria. Another standout is the natural bathing lake, which spans 5,500 square meters and cradles a 50-meter-long infinity pool. This one-of-a-kind spa was designed by renowned architect Hadi Teherani, who describes the project as “a design that yields to nature while still making its presence felt.” Inside, linden, ash, and oak wood create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Skillful contrasts come from Alpine marble, glass, and exposed concrete—all sustainably sourced from the region. Abundant light and open spaces add to the sense of freedom. And in the warmer months, when the glass façade disappears into the ground, the feeling of boundlessness is complete.
Hotel Krallerhof
Rain 6, 5771 Leogang, Austria
+43 6583 8246 - krallerhof.com
Doubles from € 725
Opened at the end of 2023, Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea is a true architectural gem. The resort draws inspiration from the Nabataean heritage as well as the majestic desert surroundings in its design language. Created by the British architecture firm Fosters + Partners, the property invites guests to immerse themselves in tranquility, serenity, and seclusion. Key highlights also include a deep respect for history and a strong commitment to sustainability. Naturally, the resort is home to a signature Six Senses Spa. Spanning nearly 4,000 square meters, the spa impresses with shaded water features, deep cold plunge pools, and an earthy palette of stone, wood, and clay.
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
The Red Sea Development, Umluj 48321, Saudi Arabia
+966 14 514 1414 - sixsenses.com
Doubles from € 1.500
The Maldives without a spa? Almost unthinkable. Most offer stunning views, and many feature treatment pavilions set above the water. But at Huvafen Fushi, treatments take place eight meters below the ocean’s surface. Fittingly, it’s known as the Spaquarium—the first and only underwater spa in the Maldives. The signature treatment allows guests to gaze out at peacefully drifting fish while being pampered. The therapists are happy to share insights about the various species—and even know the habits of “their” regulars. A dedicated relaxation area, also enclosed in thick plexiglass, lets guests sip ginger tea and snack on nuts while soaking in more of the underwater magic.
Huvafen Fushi
Nakachchafushi North Malé Atoll, 08390, Maldives
+960 664-4222 - huvafenfushi.com
Doubles from € 1.600
None other than the iconic Bill Bensley was responsible for the design of the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Thailand. He has turned the spa into a place that amazes. The treatment rooms have an open design. They allow a clear view of the surroundings. It can be found in a kind of tree house. Is there anything more relaxing than resting your eyes on the greenery of the jungle while taking a bath? Only natural materials were used in the design. Ingredients straight from nature find their way into the spa treatments.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Vieng, 499 MOO1 T. Vieng, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand
+66 53 910 200 - fourseasons.com
Doubles from € 2.900
Four renowned architects shaped 7132 in Vals, Graubünden into what it is today: an iconic masterpiece. Peter Zumthor, Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, and Thom Mayne played key roles in designing the 73 contemporary-style rooms. The thermal baths, however, are the work of Peter Zumthor alone. Using 60,000 slabs of locally sourced quartzite, he created a building so exceptional that it was placed under heritage protection shortly after completion. Surrounded by the primal power of stone, guests can immerse themselves in deep tranquility, enjoy ESPA treatments, and experience spa indulgence with maximum privacy.
7132 Hotel
Poststrasse 560, 7132 Vals, Switzerland
+41 58 713 20 00 - 7132.com
Doubles from € 1,200
